Fido Cable, a unit of Sky Play, has launched with the aim of offering nationwide DSL-based broadband and video services to challenge the current hold cable and traditional telcos have on the consumer services market.
To offer its video service in select areas throughout the United States, Fido Cable will resell services from major cable MSOs under its brand.
What’s driving the emergence of competitors like Fido is the telco’s migration to fiber to the premises (FTTP) technology. As telcos like Verizon retire copper and migrate to fiber, these carriers are not required to lease to other providers.
Fido Cable has noted on its site that it will rent network infrastructure access from cable MSOs. Fido, which is not related to the Canadian mobile and internet service provider of the same name, will use infrastructure from Comcast, Charter, Cox, Cablevision/Altice, Cable One and Bright House Networks (recently acquired by Charter). Additionally, Fido will also lease broadband circuits from AT&T.
Offering internet and voice across its footprint and TV in "select cities," Fido’s services will be delivered via cable-based broadband using the cable MSO infrastructure as well as DSL, using AT&T connections.
Starting at $39.99 a month, Fido’s DSL and cable offering is competitive, but are “subject to availability” in each market. Initially offering nationwide DSL and Cable broadband services, Fido Cable also plans to roll out digital phone, TV and mobile internet services within the next three months.
"We will offer products that makes since [sic] without the pricing gauntlet," said David Wheeler, VP of Sky Play, in a release. "Fido Cable is available to everyone in every major city and surrounding cities throughout the U.S."
For more:
- see the release
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